Contents Summer 2024

REGULARS

p. 3 Editor’s Note p. 6 The Q&A John Ralston Saul on how to be a good citizen p. 9 Witness News and analysis from our team p. 71 Crossword Set by Chaliapin p. 73 Brainteaser Set by Chris Maslanka

COLUMNS

p. 8 Soapbox What does the clutter in our lives say about our minds? By Samira Ahmed p. 16 Cosmos Remembering the woman who discovered black holes By Marcus Chown p. 70 In a word “Extremism” By Michael Rosen p. 74 Shapchat On the joys of being sober By Shaparak Khorsandi

4

Marie Le Conte sings the praises of pubs and random encounters (page 48)

FE ATURE S

p. 18 Religion Why do US right-wing Catholics hold such power, and will they swing the vote for Trump? By Mary Jo McConahay p. 22 Science Thousands of viruses live in your body – but many are good for you By Richard Pallardy p. 26 Ideas Sorry, keyboard warriors, there is no “wrong side of history” By James Ball p. 30 Politics Why is Sinn Féin winning on both sides of the Irish border? By John Boyce p. 34 Inter view Broadcaster Chris Packham explains what drives his eco-activism By Nicola Cutcher p. 38 Technology Why space junk is a threat to humanity By Peter Ward p. 42 Reportage Tensions within the Jewish population threaten to split Israel By Alona Ferber

CULTURE

p. 48 Society Say no to the introverts, don't let the slippers win! By Marie Le Conte p. 52 Literature Why are so many books so boring these days? By John Merrick p. 56 Television Finding delight in the

I T RU S SE L L

I L LU ST R AT IO N B Y K

C OV E R

.

A L A M Y ST O C K P HO T O

New Humanist | Summer 2024